Solid Waste Collector

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This is heavy manual work in the collection and disposal of Solid Waste. Employees in this classification perform routine repetitive work as a member of a crew collecting Solid Waste of various types and depositing it in a Solid Waste collection vehicle. Work requires considerable physical exertion, daily contact with unpleasant materials and outside work regardless of weather. Work is performed under the supervision of the vehicle driver in charge of the crew.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Handles, carries, and empties receptacles containing Solid Waste.
• Handles and carries yard trash such as tree limbs and other un-containerized Solid Waste items.
• Deposits waste into collection vehicle and returns cans or other receptacles to the point of pickup with their lids intact.
• Operates compaction mechanism on the vehicle.
• Rides on an external platform on the collection vehicle between collection stops.
• Provides direction to the collection vehicle driver as necessary to provide safe backing of the vehicle.
• Reports all leaks (i.e. Hydraulic oil, water, etc.) and/or mechanical problems to the driver immediately.
• Identifies bio-hazardous waste, medical waste, and all other hazardous waste/materials, such as asbestos, batteries, acids, gas, flammable chemicals/materials, etc. to driver/supervisor.
• Performs maintenance work on the division premises when not assigned to a collection vehicle.
• Work may include cleaning of collection vehicles and helping in the container maintenance shop.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Position is designated as Mission Critical by Department Director.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• May be assigned to remove and dispose of deceased animals.
• Provide training assistance to new employees and/or temporary employees, as well as, route directions to replacement drivers.
• May be required to help/assist other City divisions or departments under special circumstances.
• May be required to operate light-duty vehicles with a valid driver’s license.
• Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE) AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of eighth grade from accredited school.
• Three (3) months of experience in heavy manual work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid driver's license is preferred.
• After six (6) months of employment employment as a Solid Waste Collector with a valid driver’s license and having obtained a CDL training permit can begin training towards obtaining a CDL license through the Solid Waste CDL training program.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work consistently with unpleasant waste materials.
• Ability to perform manual work requiring physical strength for lengthy periods.
• Ability to perform duties in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to work effectively, safely, and harmoniously with other crew members.
• Ability to handle privately owned cans, containers, and lids without incurring damage.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to use a map to locate addresses.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires heavy physical work that involves constantly lifting, pushing, or raising objects, exerting 35 to 50 on a recurring basis and exerting 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• This job risks routine and frequent exposure to significant environmental hazards, including bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, animals/wildlife, vibration, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, and moving machinery.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE